Ursula's

We love this little bistro!

by Lindalou52 at Citysearch

we enjoy going to Ursula's for a number of things, the romantic setting, fresh well prepared foods and great wine list. It's fun seeing familiar faces at tables, a co-worker, neighbor or an elected official.

• Pros: intimate, fun art, excellent food & wine list

Ambiance is nice, food was good, service was slow

by mejudge1 at Citysearch

My husband and I stopped at Ursula's on our way through town. We were traveling from out of state. As in other reviews, the restaurant is small with about 15 tables. About 4 tables had customers. The rest was empty. We did learn that they had just finished a special wine dinner, but all the customers had just left.

Since Ursula's is the wine experts, I asked for a suggestion for a white wine, not too oaky like a chardonnays but dry like a sauvignon blanc. The waiter delivered a chenin blanc blend from Napa that was very good. I wasn't very hungry so I ordered an appetizer as my main course. My husband ordered the fish special, marlin. We waited and waited. Eventually some bread arrived. Then we waited some more. My husband's wine glass was empty, my wine glass was almost empty and we still had no dinner. In fact, I found it very odd that a wine bar would not even be on top of empty wine glasses just drooling to get you a refill. Not once during our meal, when it finally arrived, did they ask if we'd like another glass. We did however, ask if they could refill our water glasses that also became empty during our wait. Oh, I know why, our waiter was sitting at a table with a customer just chatting away as if he was being waited on. Perhaps he forgot that there were other customers in the room.

My appetizer, the pizza, was fabulous. My husband said the fish was so-so. When we paid the bill, and started to leave, we said good-bye to the staff behind the wine bar who didn't acknowledge us. You have to know that this is a very small restaurant. Standing at the front door and saying and waving goodbye to three people chatting behind the wine bar is as close as being in someone's living room. But they didn't even look up. Other customers did, but the staff did not seem to care.

This is a nice place with poor service.

• Pros: Good wine selection
• Cons: Slow Service

Very good food, excellent wine list and now home made ice cream...

by Artyo at Citysearch

I've occasionally dropped by Ursulas over the past 5 years. Lately I find myself thinking about the really good food there, the friendly owner, the great wine list... and my next visit.

The menu changes monthly which I like, great pasta dishes, well prepared steaks and excellent fresh fish.

This summer I found out the chef is making homemade ice cream. A couple of weeks ago I had curry apricot ice cream...great, and I loved the cinnamon white pepper concoction.

I enjoy going online to look at the new monthly menu. Can't wait until Sept. is posted and I can think about my next dinner at Ursulas.

• Pros: free parking, soft lighting, fun wine art, great ambiance

Wine dinners are a great value

by GiraffricanMix at Citysearch

Ursula's is really an asset to this part of town. It is a bistro type setting and very casual. The food is excellent and the owner always wants to make sure everyone is happy. I know they have a five course wine dinner that will benefit Africa on May 21, and tickets are only $59.99 per person. Seating indoors is around 38 and an additional 20 for deckside outdoors. Tickets for this event are sold on LocalWineEvents or call WineStyles of Woodbury (651) 730-0112.

Giraffrican Mix Wine Dinner Menu for May 21, 2008

Amuse Bouche-Sparkling paired with Citrus Cured Salmon on Cucumber with Mint & Creme Fraiche

1st Course-Sauvignon Blanc paired with Arugula & Spinach Salad with Poached Figs, Marcona Almonds & Meyer Lemon

2nd Course-Chardonnay paired with Marinated Shrimp with Tomatoes, Bacon, Frisee & Sauce Charon

3rd Course-Merlot paired with Gorgonzola & Caramelized Onion Ravioli in a Merlot & Blackberru Reduction

4th Course-Blend paired with Pepper Crusted Beef Tenderloin with Asparagus, Risotto & Wild Mushrooms

Palate Cleanser - Citrus & Anise

Dessert-Syrah complimented with Mascarpone Profiterole with Cherry & Rosemary Chocolate Ganache

• Pros: cozy with great wines and food
• Cons: Small, sometimes service may not be on the terrific side

extremely poor service

by dellwoodfoodie at Citysearch

My husband, mom and I walked in on a Wednesday night, without reservations. It was not busy but we were treated with extreme contempt and indifference. The server essentially ignored us. There were four other tables- the restaurant was NOT full, and yet getting the server to pay attention to us was almost impossible. (our server was not the only server.) The food was average. Bills itself as a wine bar, but the selection was poor. Hopefully we had an off night, but have never been back even though it's a local restaurant for us.

• Pros: none
• Cons: service